LORD SRI RANGANATHA TEMPLE IN SRIRANGAM – A STUDY
J.SULOCHANA GANDHI, Dr.R.SOUNDARAJAN
Ph.D, Research Scholar in History, Associate
Professor in History
PG & Research Department of History, PG & Research Department of History,
V.O.Chidambaram College V.O.Chidambaram College
Thoothukudi –
628008 Thoothukudi – 628008
Tamilnadu. Tamilnadu.
Srirangam is
described as the paradise on Earth. It is the abode of the Lord Sri Ranganatha,
in reclining from and is situated in a picturesque island formed by the
bifurcation of the river cauvery at a
place called Mukkombu (upper
Anaicut). Srirangam is just eight Kilometre from Tiruchirapalli.1
The district of Tiruchirapalli called by the British as ‘Trichinopoly’ and popularly known as trichy.2 It is an island
district located centrally in the state of Tamilnadu. The district lies between
100 16’
and 110 32’
northern latitude and 770 45’ and 790 30’ eastern latitude. The total
area of the district is 11127.82 Sq.mm.3 Bus service from Trichy to
Srirangam is very frequent and vehicles stop
right in front of the southern gate of the temple. There is a railway station
also in the chord line between Chennai and Tiruchirappalli. The temple is half
a kilometer west of the railway station. The total population in this town is
70094. It is the foremost among the eight major shrines of Lord Vishnu and is
considered the most important among the 108 pilgrim centres in the whole of
India. The Shrine is also sacred to the planetary deity Sukra, one of the Navagrahas.
The shrine has the unique distinction of being hallowed by the divine hymns of
all the Tamil Vaishnavaite saints (Alwars).4 Among the 108 Divya Desam, 40 divya desam are situated in this chola country, and the most
important one is Sri Rangam. It is the first Divya Desam in the Chola country.5 It is one of the
oldest and most venerated of Vaishnavite temples of the Tamilnadu. Srirangam is
to the vaishnavites what Chidambaram is to the saivites. It is the ‘Koyil’ (The Temple) of the
vaishnavites.6 It is difficult to fix the antiquity of this temple
accurately, as its origins are inextricably linked with mythology. The temple
finds mention in the Tamil Sangam classic silappadikaram and in the Nalayira
Divya Prabhandam of the Alwars.7 Sri Andal, Sri Thulukka Nachiyar,
Sri Nammazhvar, Sri Thondaradipodi Alwar, Sri Thiruppannalwar, Nathamunigal,
Sri Ramanuja, Sri Vedanta Desika and Manavala Mamunigal are the important
saints and acharyas who attained salvation by worshipping Sri Ranganatha at
Srirangam.8 The Alwars composed 247 pasurams about this temple.9
The legend (stala – purana) associated with this temple mention that the image
of Ranganatha (the recumbent from of Vishnu was the deity worshipped by Lord Rama
of Ayodhya. During his coronation ceremony (Maha
– Pattabhishekha), he have this image to his friend vibhishana. The Latter,
overjoyed with this gift was in the process, of carring it back to his abode
lanka, when he stopped by the river cauvery
in South India, for observing his daily prayers. He handed the idol to Ganesha,
requesting him not to keep it on the ground. But the latter did so and
vibhishana came back, he could not lift up the image. The temple grew around
this idol over the centuries into the very vast temple complex that is seen
today.10
The Srirangam temple is a virtual
museum of South Indian temple art and architecture. In its precincts one can
see gopurams, vimanams, pillared
corridors, vast terraces, bas-relifes and exquisite, sculptures. The materials
used encompass a wide range like stone, brick, moter, lime and wood of many
varities.11 The temple has 21 Gopurams
and 7 Prakaras or enclosures. It
is called ‘Boologa Vaikundam’.12
The total length of the enclosing walls
is about 32,592 running feet or over 6 miles and the total area occupied by the
temple is about 156 acres .13
Each of the seven rectangular
enclosures has a towering gopuram as
its portal. The gopurams
progressively diminish in height as we approach the sanctum sanctorum. One
enters the temple through the seventh prakaram,
which has a shrine for vamana. The
follows the sixth Prakaram which has
the shrine of Jagannatha. The fifth prakaram
has a number of shrines dedicated to the Alwars.
In the fourth prakaram one can find an
imposing structure housing the shrine of Garuda,
the mount of the lord. The prakaram
has 3 large halls including the 1000 pillared14 hall which actually
has 95.3 pillars and the Seshraya
Mandapam and Thirumani Mandapam,
built by Thirumangai Alwar. The third prakaram
where is situated the dwajasthambham or the temple flag post and the bali pitam where offering of rice are
made.15 These are fully gold – plated. At the centure of the
enclosure is the famous paramapada vassal
(gate to Heaven). This entrance is opened only once a year on Vaikunda Ekadasi day. During the main
festival of Vaikunda Ekadasi which
falls in the Tamil month of Margazhi corresponding
to December – January. The festival continues for a period of twenty days. The
second prakaram mainly built by Raja Mahendra Chola has a flight of steps
called Padiyetta Sevai (View from the stairs)16. Among the 7
praharas in this temple, the first prahara called ‘Sathiya logam’ was
constructed by Dharma Varma, the Chola King. It consistated of 24 pillars and
it is compared to the 24 letters of ‘Kayatri
Mantra’.17 This vast temple – complex has seven concentric
enclosures (sapta – prakara) not seen
in any other temple.18
This temple has constructed by
various rulers at various times. In 1251 flag post in this temple was installed
by Sundara Pandya, the Pandya ruler. It was destroyed during the time of muslim
invasion of Tamil country. In 1461 it was renovated by the Vijayanagar ruler
Krishna Devarayar by using Copper and Gold.19 The Raja Gopuram,
which makes this temple very beautiful, is located in the southern side of this
temple. Five hundred years ago, construction of this gopuram was started by the
Vijaya Nagar ruler Krishna Devaraya. But he could not completed this work fully
and he completed only the foundation level.20 Later on it was
continued by the Jeer Swamigal decided to undertake this venture and the Maha
Samprokshanam of this mounmental Rajagopuram was celebrated on 25 March, 1987.
The Structure of the tower reaches a height of 222 ½ with 13 tiers. After
installation of 12 ½ high kalasams
and the structures the tower rises to a height of 236’ . It is the tallest in
Asia.21
The early Cholas seem to have been
closely associated with this place. The pillars to the right and left of the
entrance to the threshing floor situated in the fourth prakara of this temple
contain the earliest chola inscriptions of this place. They are of the 2nd
years of Parakesari (perhaps Vijayalaya), of the 4th and 26th
years of Madiraikonda Parakesari (Parantaka I) (69 to 73 of 1892). Perhaps,
these pillars were the jambs of the Original Sanctum of this temple. In that
case, this temple should have been in existence during the period covered by
the regions of the early chola rulers from Vijayalaya to Parantaka I. The
temple walls contain inscriptions dating from the 10th century.
These inscriptions provide for
lamps, feeding of learned vaishnavas and for the Sacred bath of the deity. The
Lord is called Sri Arangattup – Perumanadigal. There is mention of the Sabha of
Tiruvarangam which managed the endowments and other affairs of the Temple, and
the charities were placed under the protection of the vaishnavas.22
The
Administration of the temple was in the hands of kings till the year 1801. At
the end of carnatic wars the administration of madras province was handed over
to the East India company in the year 1801. The temple was under the direct
administrative control of the collector of Tiruchirappalli till 1848. Trustees
were appointed to look after the administration in the year 1848. This
arrangement was in force till 1938. With the enactment of Hindu Religious and
Charitable Endowments Act, the administration was taken over by the board
Executive Officers were appointed by the board to look after the administration
of the temple. They were assisted by the board of Trustees formed by a Court
Scheme. The Executive Officer of the temple looks after the administration of
Thiruvellarai a well known Vaishnavite temple about 10 kms away from Srirangam.
Anbil Sri Sundararaja Perumal a Vaishnava temple and a Mariamman temple, Sri
Kamalavalli Nachiyar temple at Woraiyur are all under the Executive control of
this temple administration by an arrangement made few years ago.23
During
the days of the kings the income from the landed property was the main source
of income. Presently the main source of income to the temple is from the Hundi Collection, sales of tickets,
Interest on fixed deposits. The annual income from these sources near about 4
crores. Out of these income 15% (11% to the H.R. & C.E Admn Department and
4% as Audit fees) are earmarked separately. Hence for all expenditure the
amount available is around 3.20 crores annually. Income from wet and drylands
and rent collected from the buildings are meager sources of income to the temple.
Out of the annual income as and when directed by the Commissioner funds are
transferred to needy temples as well as common good fund managed by the
Commissioner. The temple is self sufficient to meet the expenditure and is
generating annually surplus funds to the tune of 50 lakhs. Salary to the
employees; Purchase of materials and other miscellaneous expenditure are spent
out of the income derived from the above sources.24 The temple has
large amount of Jewels, equalent to 20 crores. It is also having 400 acres wet land which
is suitable for paddy cultivation and 1500 acres dry land.25
The Poojas at this temple are carried
out 6 times a day at the main temples. The Prasadam
(food offerings) to the Lord as formulated by the agamas and traditions are offered. 25% of the expenditure is met by
the donors who deposit corpus fund coinciding with their birthday or any other
auspicious occasions. The remaining 75% expenditure is met out of the temple
funds. The devotes are offered full square means under the Annadhanam dhittam in force as formulated by the Hon’ble Chief
Minister of Tamilnadu. Devotees at various temple as indicated below are
offered Annadhanam. Srirangam 200,
Thiruvellarai 100, Woraiyur 100, Anbil 100 persons total of 500 persons are fed
under this scheme. The expenditure involved under this scheme is totally met
out of the contributions by the donors.26
The
jewels that are kept in the safe custody of the temple locker is known as Therkukallarai – meaning a castle made
out of granite stones located in the south. The jewels that are kept at these
place are the jewels offered by great kings of the Pandya, Vijayanagara, Nayaka
Kings. Keys of the lock where the ornaments are kept are with four persons
namely the Joint Commissioner / Executive Officer, Double Lock Officer, His
Holiness Sri Ranga Narayana Jeer swamy, and a representative of the Archagar. In addition to the holding of
the key they also put the seals. Uttamanabi
and representative of the Vaadula desika
family put the seals and do not hold the key. Now whenever ornaments are taken
out of the big locker room known as Therkukallarai
all the above said 6 persons are to be present.27
There
is no separate police contingent attached to the temple. A police constable
assisted by two ex-military persons and security personnel of the temple mainly
peons are deployed in the night hours to protect the temple properties.28
The maintenance work at this temple consists of providing Pandhals (thatched roof), decoration of temple car and float,
providing Bailey bridge on the way to Woraiyur, cleaning the procession route,
Erection of Deepasthambam with Palmyra leaves, providing temporary barricades
during festivals to regulate the crowd is called as “Khadhi Thalavadam” contractor – meaning provider of cloth and pandhal materials to conduct the
festival.29
For
every 12 years the renovation work of the temple is done in accordance with the
sastras. On such occasions a renovation committee is formed which approaches
donors to carry out the renovation at various places inside the temple like
vimanam, mandabam, Flag hoist, Temple Towers, Shrines etc. The estimate
prepared is approved by competent authority and the actual work of the
renovation is carried out by the donors themselves by employing suitable man
power and materials. However the Executive Officer oversees the entire
renovation work so that there is no deviation from the established customs and
traditions. The tiruppani committee can accord approval for any amount but
actual expenditure he spent by the donor sometime exceeding the estimate also.
Such a renovations do not throw any burden on the financial management of the
temple. Similarly vahanas which are beyond use are replaced by donors which is
approved after careful study.30
There is a museum inside the temple
which stores rare copper plates, icons, ivory materials, swords, paintings,
pearls, rare palm leaf manuscripts, locks used by the Britishers, French and
Dutch. A nominal entrance fee of Rs.1/- collected. Srirangam is one of the few
temple of Tamilnadu, having a long-recorded history, almost from historical
times to the present day.31
Acknowledgement
The authors are deeply indebted to
Professor and Head, PG & Research Department of History, V.O.Chidambaram
College ,Thoothukudi – 628008,Tamil
Nadu, India for their inspiring help, constant support and for providing
facilities in the department to carry out the research work.
Notes and Reference:
1.
Velmani, K.S.K;Gazetteers of Tamilnadu, Tiruchirappalli
District Vol. I, Chennai,
1998, P.1594.
2.
Ibid;P.1.
3.
Ibid; P.3.
4.
Ibid; P.1594.
5.
Ethirajan, A; 108 Vainava Divya Desa Isthala Varalaru,
(Tamil),
Karaikudi, 1995, P.27.
6.
Bala Subrahmanyam, S.R; Early Chola Art, Part – I,
Bombay, 1986, P.59.
7.
Srinivasan, K.R; Temples of Tamilnadu, Chennai, 1971,
P.132.
8.
Velmani, K.S.K; Gazetteers of Tamilnadu, Tiruchirappalli
District, Vol.I, Chennai, 1998, P.1597.
9.
Gopalan, Tiruchirappalli Maavatta Alayangal, A
Tourist Hand Book, (Tamil), Chennai, 2006, P.9.
10. Prema
Kasturi; Chithra Madhavan ; South India Heritage – An Introduction,
Chennai, 2003, P.428.
11. Srinivasan,
K.R ; Temples of Tamilnadu ; Chennai, 1971, P.133.
12. Daily
Thanthi, Arul Tharum Anmigam, (Tamil) dated on 14th
September 2010. P.8.
13. Krishnamachariyar,
A ;
Koil Olugu, Part III (Tamil), Trichy. P(2)-242
14. Srinivasan,
K.R ; Temples of Tamilnadu, Chennai, 1971, P.138.
15. Ibid
; P.134.
16. Ibid
; P.135.
17. Ethi
Rajan. A ; 108 Vainava Divya Desa Sthala Varalaru, (Tamil), Karaikudi,
1995, P.46.
18. Prema
Kasturi, Chithra Madhavan ; South India Heritage – An Introduction,
Chennai, 2003, P.428.
19. Gopalan,
Tiruchirappalli
Maavatta Alayankal, A Tourist Hand Book, (Tamil), Chennai, 2006,
P.9.
20. Ibid
; P.46.
21. Velmani,
K.S.K, Gazetteers of Tamilnadu, Tiruchirappalli District, Vol.I,
Chennai, 1998. P.1595.
22. Bala
Subramaniyan, S.R ; Early Chola Art, Part I, Bombay 1986, P60
23. Krishnamachariyar,
A ; Koil
Olugu, Part III, (Tamil) Trichy, P(2) – 242.
24. Ibid
; P(2) – 243.
25. Gopalan
; Tiruchirapalli
Maavatta Alayankal A Tourist Hand Book, (Tamil), Chennai, 2006,
P.10.
26. Krishnamachariyar,
A ; Koil
Olugu, Part III (Tamil), Trichy, P(2) – 244.
27. Ibid
; P(2) – 246.
28. Ibid
; P(2) – 247.
29. Ibid
; P(2) – 248.
30. Ibid
; P(2) – 249.
